Things to do in Apulia

Embark on a day out in Sassi and explore the ancient neighbourhoods with a live guide. See a series of grottoes carved out of limestone and marvel at the Sasso Barisano and the Sasso Caveoso. Your tour will begin at the meeting point in Via Alessandro Volta. From here, your expert guide will lead you to the Church of San Francesco, situated in the historic centre of the city. Next, you’ll continue along a panoramic road comprised of narrow streets and winding alleys. After arriving at the Rupestre Church of Sant'Antonio Abate, you’ll find a pleasant surprise waiting inside: a classic example of the traditional culture of this remarkable city. Afterwards, you’ll move on to visit a typical Matera cave-house before continuing along Via Madonna delle Virtù and Porta Pistoia "Pert P’stèl" to conclude your cultural adventure.

Embark on a relaxing cruise along the coast of Polignano a Mare. Sail on a 6.5-meter speedboat to some of the best caves in the area and choose between a private and a group experience. Meet the local skipper and crew in the Cala Ponte Marina and set sail for the caves. Admire these natural features only accessible by boat. Cruise past 11 km of coastline and take in views of the city from a unique perspective. During the cruise, stop at the best places for swimming and dive straight into the crystal-clear water. Alternatively, stay dry on the boat and soak up the sun rays or enjoy a traditional Italian aperitif on board. At the end of your experience, return to the Carla Ponte Marina

You will meet a local tour guide in the main square, Piazza Vittorio Veneto, where you'll begin your walking tour admiring the landscape of the historic center from unique viewpoints. Then the tour will lead you through the historic center, covering topics of Matera history on the way. Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been chosen as the 2019 European Capital of Culture, an important acknowledgment for its history and beauty which has been carved in stone.  Walking among the "Sassi" (the ancient neighborhoods of Sasso Barisano e Sasso Caveoso), you will discover the cave houses and churches carved in the rock, as well as the newly restored Cathedral. From the Cathedral which is built on a high point of the hill, you will enjoy enchanting views over the historic center and of Murgia Materana Park, an area characterized by hills and Mediterranean vegetation.  Over the course of 2 hours, you will be completely immersed in a magical unique land, seeing all of the major sights of Matera.

After meeting your guide, set out for a sightseeing Alberobello tour. Follow your guide into the historical center of Rione Monti, which boasts over 1,000 iconic Trulli buildings. Marvel at the unique architecture of these fascinating buildings while learning about their history and significance. Continue the tour with a visit to Rione Aia Piccola, an area that best represents the ancient medieval village where you can stop at the viewpoint to take some beautiful pictures. Your journey ends at the city's highest point, where the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua is located. Notice the similarities between the church and the Trulli buildings and soak up the historical atmosphere of the site as you listen to your guide's tales and anecdotes.

Meet your guide at Piazza Vittorio Veneto in Matera. From here, your expert guide will introduce you to the districts of Sassi. From the square, head to the heart of the historical center, where you will find the wonderful Apulian-Romanesque Church of San Giovanni Battista. Continue with a visit to Casa Cava, a hypogeum used in ancient times as a quarry, today turned into a convention center, thanks to outstanding restoration work. Stop at Sasso Barisano, to visit the rock church of Sant'Antonio Abate where you’ll find a pleasant surprise waiting inside, a classic example of the traditional culture of this remarkable city.  Move on to Sasso Caveoso to visit a typical Matera cave-house before continuing along Via Madonna delle Virtù and Porta Pistoia. Make a short stop at Piazza San Pietro Caveoso and stroll down one of the main streets of Sassi, Via Bruno Buozzi, to reach the second rock church of Madonna delle Grazie. Continue to the Baroque Church of Purgatorio. Next stop will be Piazza San Francesco d’ Assisi where you will visit the church dedicated to the Saint and from there you will move to Piazza del Sedile, Parliament's headquarters during the domination of the Kingdom of Naples. Finish your tour with a visit to the magnificent Apulian-Romanesque Cathedral, overlooking the highest part of the city.

Enter the streets of Matera through this special tour. You'll be guided comfortably through the most beautiful parts of the city, with your local guide explaining the beauties that you will see along the way. You'll first visit the Purgatory Church, which boasts a wonderful Baroque Facade. Following that, you will reach the Romanesque cathedral which sits in the main square of Piazza Vittorio Veneto. After the cathedral, it will be time to begin your descent down to Sassi. Your tour includes stops to some of the most picturesque areas, from where you will be free to take beautiful pictures of both Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso.

Join the owner of the Masseria Capece and enjoy a guided olive oil tour with tasting. Take in the intense scents and colors among the ancient olive trees. Walk among the thousand-year-old olive trees, which are said to have been planted by veterans of the Punic Wars, more than 2000 years ago. Visit the oil mill, built in 1846 and in use until the 60s.  Learn all about how extra virgin olive oil is made and visit the oil mill. Taste some of the oils produced on the farm. Enjoy a taste of Puglia and experience life in rural Italy.

Your tour begins with visiting the main attractions of the old town. These include the Basilica of Saint Nicholas and its precious Crypt, the ancient Cathedral of Saint Sabinus, and the millenary Swabian Castle. Stop several times for tastings. In a panificio (bakery) learn how focaccia barese is made and taste a slice of this delicious fresh Italian bread. Visit a salumeria (delicatessen) to find out about different kinds of cheeses and salami while drinking a glass of wine. In one particular traditional corner of the town, discover fried street food with the strong flavors of sgagliozze and panzerotti. In a gelateria, enjoy real home-made ice cream choosing your favorite one from a fantastic selection.  The tour finishes by discovering the modern French part of the city. Here, by the famous sea-side, are beautiful opera theaters and luxury shopping streets to explore. 

This excursion to the Rocky Churches Park is a beautiful experience. During this tour, you will discover the history of this magical place. On Murgia Timone you will see the first human settlement and traces of an ancient Neolithic village. Moving on, you will see two important rocky churches, as well as the Rocky Crypt of San Falcione and the Rocky Church of Madonna delle Tre Porte, with its Byzantine frescos. You will also head to a scenic point, called Golgota, where Mel Gibson filmed “The Passion of the Christ”. During the excursion, you will enjoy the unique spectacle of the City of Stones as it lights up at sunset.

After meeting with your skipper at the marina in Bari, hop on board your sailing cruise. Enjoy a welcome snack of local focaccia and an excellent Primitivo red wine to start your sailing adventure. Then it's time to cruise out to the high sea. Out here, you can admire the imposing lighthouse of Bari. If you're lucky, you'll spot dolphins who often come up close to the boat. If you'd like, the skipper will even give you the opportunity to temporarily maneuver the boat yourself. If sea conditions allow, take a dip in the crystal clear waters and enjoy the refreshing temperatures. Your skipper will cast anchor at the old navy of Bari where you'll be able to take another swim and take panoramic photos of the promenade. Finally, visit the historic center's ancient fish market and admire the Basilica of San Nicolas.